Disney World - The Happiest Place on Earth!

As a young child, I was fortunate enough to go to Disney World on our family vacations to Florida to visit my maternal grandparents. It always made me happy to be there - I loved the characters, the shows and parades, and the general feeling of euphoria found within the Disney gates. As I grew older, WDW was still one of the happiest places to visit. Now, I am even more appreciative of the Disney magic. Disney sure does it right! It is the place to be for anyone, but especially if you're a special family. It doesn't feel so bad or different to be a special family at Disney World. We are treated with so much kindness and respect. The staff go out of their way to make your visit as positive as possible. We will continue to vacation there while Kate's health permits us to - it is one of the few places we can vacation with a child who's needs are as special as Kate's! 

We were so lucky to share this magical vacation with Grandma and Grandpa Meissner! Jeremy was so delighted to have his parents experience the magic that can only be created by Disney. I got Grandpa Fred a "First Visit" pin at guest services when I got Kate's stroller = wheelchair accessible card and he proudly wore it all day long! We were able to do 8 attractions and lunch in only 6 hours thanks to our "fast pass" Kate! What a wonderful family experience...we will never forget it. Thank you for living it with us, Grandma Terry and Grandpa Fred! We love you guys so, so much!

To my parents: I can't thank you enough for using your points and promo flights to get us to Disney. I don't know how I can ever thank you for your generosity. But please know that trips like this rejuvenate us, give us strength, and above all else, give us hope that our lives will always maintain some form of "normalcy" despite whatever AS can throw at us. Thank you - you two are amazing. 

It was so nice to have a trip like this right now. A year ago right now, it was settling in that Kate's development wasn't where it should be. A year ago right now, as we faced the unknown, I lived in a constant state of turmoil and anguish. I remember thinking Kate would need a CT scan or an MRI to rule out brain atrophies and how awful it would be to see a 9 month infant face a huge MRI machine. I was so scared. It was a terrible feeling. In 2 days from now, Kate will be going for her first EEG to get a baseline and check and see if she's been seizing. I don't think she has been, but she's definitely shown signs of possible seizures. I am anxious and worried, but mostly I'm afraid of seeing my baby girl strapped to half a dozen leads to get this procedure done. That fact she needs it is tragic and breaks my heart. However, knowing Kate, she'll rock it b/c she's my tough cookie! It will be harder on mom and dad than her, I'm sure, or so I'm hoping!! I hope I can write with good news on Wednesday! 

Take care and say a little prayer for our Kate. 

love Kelly